‘Easter Sunday’ debacle NCCSL condemns cruel and inhuman attacks

Police officers guard St.Anthony’s Shrine in Kochchikade after a bomb was triggered off on Sunday during a mass organised 
to celebrate Easter on April 22
(Reuters)

• We also call upon all people to be calm and act with restraint
• We are conscious of the pain, distrust, fears and grievances that exist
• Law and Order is an inherent tool necessary for the progress

The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka (NCCSL) along with her constituencies views the bomb attacks which began in the morning hours on ‘Easter Sunday’ (April 21)  with shock, disgust and horror.

The said attacks targeting the ‘faithful’ at worship in Churches celebrating ‘Easter Sunday’- commemorating the Resurrection of the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ- and ‘guests’ in hotels has claimed around 290 human lives and inflicted injuries to well over 400 men, women and children. The attacks also caused much damage to property and buildings. 

The NCCSL expresses its deep sorrow and sadness at the cruel and inhuman acts and offers condolences and prayers for the families of the bereaved and for the speedy recovery of the ‘injured’.

‘Life’, we believe is God-oriented and any attempt to destroy such right to life with violence by any person or group deserves outright condemnation as an act of brutal insanity and impervious to reason.

In the midst of destruction, terror and chaos that reigned, we commend the decisive action initiated by the State in maintaining law and order and preventing further damage and suffering, and for the committed services of the ‘health sector’ in the care and treatment of the injured.

In the midst of destruction, terror and chaos that reigned, we commend the decisive action initiated by the State in maintaining law and order and preventing further damage

Finally, in the ensuing time of confusion and disaster and as we stand in solidarity with the afflicted, we also call upon all people to be calm and act with restraint, offering all support and assistance towards the investigations that are being carried out with  necessary action there-to.

A call for law and order and restraint 

The NCCSL is seriously concerned about the recent attack at the Prayer Centre of the Methodist Church in Anuradhapura.

Assuring its prayers and solidarity especially to all victims of this unfortunate experience of violence and intimidation, the NCCSL taking note of the ‘issue’ and the events following, wishes to express its position and stand in the said matter. Freedom and practice of worship and embracing a ‘faith’ with conviction is a fundamental right guaranteed under the Constitution of our country. In this regard, we unreservedly condemn any act/s of violence, threats or intimidation of any form as a means of suppressing such ‘rights’ in addressing matters of concern involving objections or displeasure in such prevailing situations, as so witnessed.

Law and Order is an inherent tool necessary for the progress and functioning of a civilised society and where-in the ‘rule of law’ is practised and implemented without fear or favour to ensure the stability and sustainability of such society. In this regard, we mourn the inaction, the unprofessional attitude and lacklustre approach of the ‘Police’ (the law enforcement arm) in the discharge of its responsibilities for which it exists, as a result of which chaos reigned.   

Peace and harmony among all people of ethnic, religious and social backgrounds is our endeavour and common goal. Given the unfortunate incident and developments there-to, we are conscious of the pain, distrust, fears and grievances that exist and the need there-in to address the issue and bring healing and understanding in a spirit of dialogue, openness and sincerity. 

NCCSL, whilst affirming the expression for freedom of faith, commits itself to this task of trust building and reconciliation with the aggrieved parties to the issue with a wider and inclusive approach involving the participation of all religious leaders, together with civil and political representation. 

In the interim period, we call and pray for restraint and for law and order to prevail.

Signed: Rev. Heshan De Silva, Chairperson of the National Christian Council of Sri Lanka, and President, Sri Lanka Baptist Sangamaya, Rt. Rev. D.R. Canagasabey –Bishop of Colombo, Church of Ceylon, Diocese of Colombo, Rev. Saman Perera President, Presbytery of Lanka, Rt. Rev. Dr. Daniel S. Thiagarajah, Bishop of Jaffna Diocese, Church of South India, Rev. Asiri P. Perera, President/Bishop, Methodist Church of Sri Lanka,Rt. Rev. Keerthisiri Fernando – Bishop of the Church of Ceylon , Diocese of Kurunegala, Rev. Shirley Faber, President, Christian Reformed Church, Lft. Colonel Suresh Pawar , Territorial Commander, The Salvation ArmyRev. G. Nadarajah, President, Lanka Lutheran Church, Rev. Michael Dissanayake, General Superintendent and Chairman, Assemblies of God of Ceylon, Rev. Leslie Keegal, President, Church of the Four Square Gospel Church in Sri Lanka. Rev. T. Thevanesan, President, Church of the American Ceylon Mission and Rev. Maxwell Doss, General Secretary, National Christian Council of Sri Lanka.

The National Christian Council of Sri Lanka also represents: Young Men’s Christian Association (YMCA), Young Women’s Christian Association (YWCA), Student Christian Movement (SCM), The Ceylon Bible SocietyChristian Literature Society, Theological College of Lanka, Back to the Bible Broadcast, Colombo Theological Seminary and Youth for Christ.

21st April 2019